It was a gorgeous setting in the Conservatory of the Royal Park Hotel for Raquel and Chris’s wedding the week prior to Christmas. The couple designed all the table décor and alter area themselves. We were struck by the elegance and uniqueness of each table that maintained a theme of the couple’s interests. While the room was beautifully appointed, the help of their friend Susan Korwin, and the Royal Park Coordinator, Janet Engelhardt, insured that the remaining elements proceeded smoothly.

We had the pleasure of playing for the ceremony, cocktails and through the dinner. Classical music was an excellent complement to the ceremony in the Conservatory. We played the music of Bach, Handel, Vivaldi and Debussy. Raquel was stunning in a Christmas red gown as she processed to Bach’s Arioso. Before Chris’s vows he told Raquel that “I won your heart with poetry” and proceeded to recite poetic verse as his vows. Prior to the exchange of rings, Raquel’s daughter, Gabrielle Kitto, sang a sweet acapella rendition of Barbara Streisand’s “I’ve Dreamed of You”. With these two touching moments, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.

Following the ceremony, we played a wide variety of Christmas, contemporary and nostalgic music. We took a few requests and accompanied Chris and Raquel’s first dance with “What a Wonderful World”. We had a great time and enjoyed being a part of this family’s celebration. Congratulations to Chris and Raquel!